Biopolymers and cell. 2005; 21 (4): 312 - 318

Paenibacillus sp., as a promising candidate for development of a novel technology of inoculant production

N. O. Kozyrovska, V. V. Negrutska, M. V. Kovalchuk, T. N. Voznyuk

A bacterial strain IMBG156 producing exopolysaccharide (EPS) was isolated from siliceous rock and identified as a Paenibacillus species by partial sequencing its 16S rDNA. Paenibacillus sp. IMBG156 was used in a novel technology for inoculant production based on co-cultivating this bacterium with any bacterium of choice. Paenibacillus sp. provides in situ the bacterial cells of the inoculant with EPS, a carrier, and most likely with a source of carbon and energy. The partner bacterium designates a type of inoculant (biopesticide or biofertiliser). The strain IMBG156 does not destroy the signaling system of Gram-negative partners, based on acylated homoserine lactones, stimulates plant growth, and is rather competitive in the plant rhizosphere and soil. A prototype of the inoculant based on dual-culture Paenibacillus sp. IMBG156 - Pseudomonas sp. IMBG163 exhibits a noticeably longer shelf life than monoculture of Pseudomonas sp. IMBG163.

Key words:  exopolysaccharide, inoculant, partner bacteria.